On Monday, 16 October, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi held talks. The foreign ministers of the two countries highly appreciated the current level of Sino-Russian cooperation and the joint construction of the Belt and Road. The third forum of international cooperation “One Belt, One Road” will be held on 17-18 October in Beijing, the event is timed to coincide with the 10th anniversary of the initiative of the same name. It will be attended by the Russian president.

“Vladimir Putin’s participation will make a very important contribution to the success of this forum and will also be very helpful in promoting our strategic interaction,” said Wang Yi.

In his opinion, the meeting on the line of foreign ministers will give new energy before the leaders’ talks.

Lavrov, for his part, emphasised the importance of the “Belt and Road Initiative”.

“We consider this project as an important part of promoting cooperation on the basis of equality and mutual benefit across the Eurasian continent”

Sergey Lavrov Russian Foreign Minister

The sides had a detailed exchange of views on issues of mutual interest.

During the dialogue, the ministers stressed the importance of strengthening close coordination between Russia and China in the international arena, including in the SCO, the G20 and other mechanisms and forums. Lavrov and Wang Yi reaffirmed their mutual intention to tighten contacts in BRICS, taking into account Russia’s chairmanship in the association in 2024.

In addition, the foreign ministers discussed a wide range of topical international and regional issues.

Photo: Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs